IOWA FOOD ASSISTANCE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Emily

IOWA FOOD ASSISTANCE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Emily Upchurch Food Assistance Outreach Specialist The Food Bank of Iowa

Hunger Facts Ø In 2016, 41 million people struggled with hunger in the United States, including 13 million children. Ø One in eight Iowans and one in five Iowa kids struggle to access enough food for themselves and their families. Ø Households with children are more likely to be food insecure than those without children. Ø Hunger hinders health, growth, education, and work performance

Food Bank of Iowa: About Us

Food Assistance What is Food Assistance? Ø Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Ø Federal aid program administered by USDA. Benefits are distributed by the Iowa Department of Human Services. Ø Provides food-purchasing assistance with an EBT card Ø Fiscal Year 2016: § 381, 000 Iowa residents, or 12% of the state population (1 in 8) § 44, 129, 000 participants across the U. S. (14% of population, 1 in 7)

Food Assistance What Are the Benefits of SNAP? Ø Receive a monthly benefit to purchase food Ø Flexibility to choose the types of food the client wants to cook Ø Ability to use at Farmer’s Markets Ø Ability to buy plants and seeds Ø Calendar Year 2017: Average Monthly Benefit in Iowa § For Each Household: $228. 69 § For Each Recipient: $108. 25 § Person per Meal: $1. 16

Food Assistance Who Benefits from Food Assistance? Iowa SNAP Participation: Ø More than 69% of participants are in families with children Ø More than 25% of participants have elderly or disabled family members Ø More than 52% of participants are in working families

Food Assistance Who Qualifies for SNAP?

Food Assistance How Does Someone Enroll in SNAP? Ø Outreach Worker § § On-site to educate individuals about SNAP On-site to assist individuals in applying Ø Food Assistance Hotline § § Apply for SNAP over the phone Number: 1 -855 -944 -3663 Ø Online DHS Application

Food Assistance What Is the Application Process? 1. Learn about SNAP & Income Guidelines 2. Complete an Application 3. Submit Application 4. Phone Call from DHS 5. Interview with DHS 6. Gather & Submit Supporting Documents if Requested 7. Decision Made on Case 8. Receive EBT Card 9. Complete Recertification Process 6 -24 Months Later

Food Assistance Application Deductions Ø Earned Income - 20% of all gross income Ø Standard deduction based on household size Ø Dependent care deduction when needed for work, training, or education Ø Child Support Deduction Ø Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members § Must be more than $35 per month and must be paid by the applicant. Ø Utility Deduction Ø Shelter Deduction

Food Assistance Work Requirements Ø All adults 18 -59 are required to work part time or agree to accept a job if they are offered one • Some exceptions Ø ABAWD – Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents § Person between the ages of 18 and 49 who has no dependents and is not disabled • Can only receive SNAP for 3 months in 3 years Ø ABAWD eligibility beyond the time limit: • Must work at least 80 hours per month, participate in qualifying education and training activities at least 80 hours per month, or comply with a workfare program (unpaid work through a special State-approved program)

Food Assistance Non-Citizen Eligibility Ø Most non-citizens must be in a qualified alien category and meet one additional condition Ø Children under 18 are eligible even if their parent(s) are not Ø States may not deny an entire household just because a non-citizen member is ineligible due to his/her immigration status. Ø State agencies are not required to verify the immigration status of anyone who is applying for SNAP on behalf of others in their household Ø A non-citizen that is currently a qualified alien is potentially eligible for SNAP benefits regardless if he/she was undocumented previously

Food Assistance Common Questions Ø How long will it take DHS to contact me? Ø How much will I get? Ø Will I have to travel for my interview with DHS? Ø My income fluctuates month to month. Can I still apply? § “I don’t work during certain times of the year. ” Ø My benefits stopped and I don’t know why. Can you help? Ø I have a paper application at home I will fill out.

Food Assistance How Can You Help? Education Hotline Number – 1 -855 -944 -3663 Outreach Worker – 515 -350 -2132 eupchurch@foodbankiowa. org

Food Assistance DHS Phone Numbers Ø DHS Status Change Line/ Customer Service: 1 -877 -347 -5678 § Monday – Friday 7: 00 a. m. to 6: 00 p. m. § Any changes the client has such as income, change of address, etc. § Need a new card with a change of address Ø Lost/Stolen EBT Card: 1 -800 -359 -5802 § Need a new card with no change of address § Can check benefits to be added a few days prior to add date Ø Polk County DHS: 515 -286 -3555 § 1900 Carpenter, Des Moines § Monday – Friday 8: 00 a. m. to 4: 30 p. m. Ø Questions about the Status of an Application: Local County Office

QUESTIONS? Contact Me: Emily Upchurch Food Assistance Outreach Specialist Direct: 515 -867 -2890 Cell: 515 -350 -2132 eupchurch@foodbankiowa. org www. foodbankiowa. org